Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of sweet apples and tart cranberries melting together in a buttery pie crust. The Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace of flavors that dances on your taste buds, making it a must-have for any festive gathering. festive cherry bars recipe Each bite bursts with juicy fruit, and that flaky crust? Oh, it’s like a hug from Grandma you never knew you needed. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry apple dish recipe.
During the holiday season, my family gathers around the table, and this pie always steals the spotlight. It’s become our unofficial tradition to argue over who gets the last slice—spoiler alert: I always lose! But honestly, who can resist such a delicious treat? With its vibrant colors and enticing scents, this pie doesn’t just look good; it tastes like a celebration. savory chicken salad puffs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie is surprisingly easy to make, letting you impress without the stress
- The sweet-tart flavor is perfect for any festive occasion
- Its stunning appearance makes it the centerpiece of your dessert table
- Versatile enough for both holidays and casual gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
The first time I made this pie, my friends were practically fighting over who got to take home leftovers—little did they know, I had strategically cut the slices to ensure maximum leftovers for myself.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth of flavor; Granny Smith adds great zing.
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Cranberries: Fresh or frozen works fine; make sure they’re plump and vibrant for that pop of color.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the tartness; brown sugar adds warmth and rich flavor.
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Cinnamon: Freshly ground is best; it enhances the spice profile beautifully.
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Nutmeg: A pinch adds an aromatic depth that screams holiday cheer.
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Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and keeps your apples from browning too quickly.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for perfect control over saltiness in your crust.
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Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade, just ensure it’s rolled out thinly for that flaky texture. homemade Christmas fudge.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and peeling your apples. Slice them thinly to enhance their tender texture when baked. Toss them in lemon juice to keep them fresh.
Mix Your Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir until every piece is coated in that sugary goodness. For more inspiration, check out this apple cinnamon oat muffins recipe.
Roll Out Your Crust: If using homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully place one layer into your pie dish—no tears allowed!
Add The Filling And Top It Off: Pour the fruit mixture into your crust evenly. Roll out another layer for the top or create fun designs with leftover dough for flair.
Bake To Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and filling bubbles joyfully through vents.
Cool And Serve!: Allow your pie to cool slightly before slicing. This helps set the filling so those first pieces don’t turn into a delicious but chaotic mess.
Enjoy every bite with loved ones around; remember to save me a slice next time!
You Must Know
- This Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for festive gatherings
- The buttery crust and warm apple aroma will have everyone asking for seconds
- Don’t forget the scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Prepare the pie crust while cooking the filling to save time. Assemble and bake until golden brown.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for cherries or add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth. A sprinkle of nutmeg can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices individually in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a vibrant flavor boost; frozen berries can make your pie watery
- Always let your pie cool before slicing to avoid messy servings
- And don’t skimp on that ice cream; it’s a game-changer!
The first time I made this pie, my family devoured it in minutes, leaving me with an empty dish and a promise to bake another soon!

FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought crust saves time and still tastes delicious.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The crust should be golden brown, and juices should bubble from the filling.
Can I freeze this Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking or after it’s cooled completely.
Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the warmth of the holiday season with this Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie. This delectable dessert combines sweet apples and tart cranberries, all encased in a flaky buttery crust. Perfect for festive gatherings, each slice bursts with flavor and invites joyful memories around the table. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting friends, this pie is sure to steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh apples, sliced (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples and cranberries with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface and fit it into a pie dish.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the crust evenly.
- Roll out another layer of pie crust for the top or use leftover dough to create decorative designs.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and filling bubbles through vents.
- Allow cooling slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg




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